By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has announced the appointment of Fatai Akande as the new Technical Director of Crown FC, in a move aimed at restructuring the Ogbomoso-based side ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season.

The unveiling took place in Ibadan on Tuesday with the Oyo State Commissioner for Sports describing the appointment as part of government’s commitment to strengthen the club’s technical structure and return it to the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.

Akande, a native of Oyo State, comes into the role with vast experience in grassroots football and team building. Until his appointment, he served as the National Coordinator of the Football Coaches Association of African Nations, FCAAN, the largest assemblage of coaches on the continent.

Popularly regarded as a “promotion genius”, Akande has a proven track record of taking clubs up the ladder. He successfully guided three different clubs to promotion, including leading Ijebu United to the NNL within three years. He has also previously featured as a player for both Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC, and Crown FC before moving abroad.

Akande holds a degree in Electrical Electronics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH. He is a CAF B License holder, FCAAN B certified, and also possesses an FA Learning Coaching Certificate. In addition, he has a Certificate in Sports Medicine from the Olympic Committee and several other coaching qualifications.

Speaking during the unveiling, the Commissioner for Sports Wasilat Adegoke said the government was bringing Akande back home to consolidate on the club’s history and drive the promotion agenda. She noted that football is now a big business and expressed hope that the new Technical Director will help explore the commercial side of the game so that government can also benefit from its huge investment in sports.

In his response, Akande thanked the Commissioner and the Oyo State Government for the trust reposed in him. He promised to build on past achievements and work toward taking Crown FC back to the elite division.

“The task is clear: build, compete and win. I am ready to give my best to ensure Crown FC returns to where it belongs,” Akande said.

With pre-season preparations underway, all eyes will be on Akande to inject fresh energy, discipline and direction into the Ajilete Warriors as they chase NPFL promotion.